Use of cone beam computed tomography imaging for airway measurement to predict obstructive sleep apnea

Objective: This retrospective chart review examined whether airway parameters were correlated with scores on the STOP-Bang questionnaire.Methods: Minimal upper airway area, upper airway volume, minimal retropalatal area, retropalatal volume, minimal retroglossal area, and retroglossal volume were calculated from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Patients were grouped based on their STOP-Bang scores (<3 or ≥3) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and airway parameters were compared across the 2 groups.Results: Thirty-one (43%) of 72 patients with a minimal upper airway area of <110 mm² had STOP-Bang scores of ≥3. Most patients (90%) with STOP-Bang scores of ≥3 had minimal retropalatal areas of <110 mm². Differences were found between groups for minimal upper airway area (p = 0.03), upper airway volume (p = 0.04), and minimal retropalatal area (p = 0.001).Discussion: To assess OSA risk, dentists should compare CBCT images with STOP-Bang scores.